Misoprostol is a medication used to treat stomach ulcers and induce labor. It's also given to women who have had a miscarriage to aid in the curettage process. However, because of the risk of serious side effects, it should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
What is misoprostol?
Misoprostol is a drug that contains compounds similar to prostaglandins. It is used to prevent stomach ulcers when you take anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Besides being used to prevent stomach ulcers, misoprostol is commonly used in labor induction and abortion.
Keep in mind that the practice of abortion in Indonesia is illegal except for medical emergencies in the mother and fetus and victims of rape. Performing an abortion without these indications is illegal and risks criminal penalties.
Misoprostol is available in 0.2 mg and 20 mg tablets. If your doctor prescribes misoprostol, you should take the medicine as recommended to avoid serious side effects. Misoprostol consumption recommendations include:
To prevent stomach ulcers:
Adults: 0.2 mg four times a day with food
For birth induction
25 mcg vaginally every 3-6 hours
Read more: What Caused Pregnant Women To Miscarriage?
How misoprostol works for labor induction
In obstetrics, misoprostol is employed for various purposes, including labor induction, pregnancy termination (abortion), and postpartum administration to manage bleeding following delivery. As synthetic prostaglandin, misoprostol operates by binding to myometrial cells, initiating robust contractions.
Moreover, the drug facilitates cervical ripening by softening and dilating the cervix. This process involves a reduction in collagen within the stromal connective tissue and a decrease in cervical tone due to heightened force and frequency of contractions. Such mechanisms are beneficial for labor induction and the expulsion of tissues in scenarios involving fetal demise.
Read more: Everything You Need To Know About Kurret Procedures
Side effects of Misoprostol
Like with any medication, the utilization of misoprostol can result in both mild and severe side effects. Examples of mild side effects associated with misoprostol encompass:
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Flatulence (gas)
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mild diarrhea
- Headache
- Vaginal cramps
- Spotting bleeding outside of menstruation
- Excessive menstrual bleeding
- Menstrual pain
Typically, mild side effects may persist for a few days to weeks. Nevertheless, if symptoms exacerbate or linger, seeking medical advice is advisable.
Although uncommon, serious side effects stemming from misoprostol usage can manifest. Some notable serious side effects to monitor encompass severe diarrhea leading to dehydration and severe allergic reactions such as rash, itching, and flushing, characterized by a warm, reddish sensation on the skin. If you experience severe allergic reactions after using misoprostol, you should consult your doctor.
Misoprostol is a strong drug that can be used to prevent stomach ulcers and treat obstetric cases such as inducing labor, stopping postpartum bleeding, and abortion. Misoprostol should be used only with a doctor's prescription and not taken over the counter for illegal abortions.
For pregnant women who are recommended to take misoprostol to prevent stomach ulcers, you should inform your doctor about your pregnancy condition. It would be wise to consult a healthcare professional or use the Ai Care application's consultation service for medication-related queries.
Want to know more information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the health of women and children? Click here!
- dr. Yuliana Inosensia
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